Linen where can I get some?

**DONOTDELETE** · August 18, 2008, 10:23:00 AM

I'm thinking of doing a Modoc bow and want to use linen as a backing. Does anyone know where I can get? I need a piece that is 3" wide 60" long or 5 square foot of it.

rbbhunt · August 18, 2008, 11:04:00 AM

You might try rudderbows or pine hollow.

**DONOTDELETE** · August 18, 2008, 11:08:00 AM

rudderbows has it 2"X72"

Pat B · August 18, 2008, 11:18:00 AM

Go to your local fabric store. What you will buy will be either 36" or 48" wide so you will have a lifetime supply. Also you might find a silk(or linen) blouse or skirt at goodwill of similar used clothing stores. Pat

**DONOTDELETE** · August 18, 2008, 11:38:00 AM

Should I look for 600 count thread linen? or does it matter?

Pat B · August 18, 2008, 01:53:00 PM

I have no idea. I would get thinner stuff. Linen doesn't stretch much so heavy stuff can possibly overpower the belly. I backed an osage static recurve a few years ago with heavy raw linen cloth and the belly of that bow fretted terribly. I've never had a bow fret so badly and especially not osage.
All you are trying to do with the linen backing is keep any splinters from lifting. It doesn't take much to do that. Pat

**DONOTDELETE** · August 18, 2008, 02:38:00 PM

Thanx Pat, I just got a email from Jim @ rudderbows and he told me he can cut to size. Guess I'll be making an order since my Black walnut is coming from KennyM this week.

DirtyDan · August 19, 2008, 11:47:00 AM

Hey, Mystic. If you want a real treat, try raw flax. I sent off to a loom supply place in Spokane and got a whole bag of combed flax for $20 or so. You apply it just like sinew. Take small batches and swish them around in hide glue and lay them on the back of the bow. It does not stretch as much as sinew and makes for a very strong back. Just Google "Combed Flax" and you can find the address.

Dan Spier

Oregon Okie · August 19, 2008, 06:38:00 PM

Women's linen pants from goodwill. overlap at the handle. Also get funny looks at goodwill.
Probably nicer the way you are going but this way worked for first "practice" bows.

**DONOTDELETE** · August 19, 2008, 11:28:00 PM

DirtyDan, I was reading about that stuff in TBB Vol I. I may have to try it.

The Gopher · August 22, 2008, 08:31:00 AM

i have backed two board bows with linen, on the first one i got the linen from Jo-Ann fabrics, the bow still broke (it was one of my very forst attempts), the second one was a bow for my wife and i backed it with an old pair of pajama bottoms that said 100% linen on the tag. that bow is still going strong.